Nestled within the coronary heart of the Auvergne area (France), the fortress of Villeneuve-Lembron is without doubt one of the most exceptional examples of transitional structure between the Center Ages and the Renaissance in France.
Constructed on the finish of the fifteenth century by Rigault d’Aureille, advisor and chamberlain to a number of kings of France, this edifice combines the defensive types inherited from medieval fortresses with the class and refinement of the primary pleasure castles. Listed as a historic monument since 1926, it comprises a wealth of inventive and historic treasures.
Article produced in collaboration with the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes area
The historical past of the fortress of Villeneuve-Lembron
Building of the fortress started round 1480, on the initiative of Rigault d’Aureille (1455-1517), maître d’hôtel within the service of kings Louis XI, Charles VIII, Louis XII and François I. This privileged place at courtroom enabled him to amass a stable fortune and assert his status by constructing a residence worthy of his rank.
The fortress stands on the grounds of Villeneuve, within the Allier valley. Though designed at a time when navy threats endured, its structure already mirrored altering mentalities: as a substitute of focusing solely on the defensive side, Rigault d’Aureille designed a spot of residence, illustration and luxury. The big rooms, open galleries and painted decorations replicate the need to make Villeneuve-Lembron a contemporary residence, on the crossroads of two eras.
Structure and landscaping
Citadel of Villeneuve-Lembron takes the type of a quadrangular plan, flanked by 4 cylindrical nook towers. This format is paying homage to medieval fortified castles, however the entire is embellished with giant lattice home windows and sculpted decorations, typical of the nascent Renaissance.
Inside, the fortress surprises with its huge rooms adorned with exceptional wall work, courting from the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries. These frescoes depict each spiritual themes (biblical scenes), heraldic (coats of arms and mottos) and historic, highlighting Rigault d’Aureille’s hyperlinks with the French monarchy.
The dwelling can also be distinguished by its monumental fireplaces and exposed-beam ceilings. The mix of refined decor and still-military components (moats, defensive towers) completely illustrates the transition interval between fortress and pleasure palace.
The fortress by way of the ages
After Rigault d’Aureille’s dying, the fortress handed by way of the fingers of assorted households, together with Gaspard de Montmorin (in 1577), Governor of Auvergne and Isaac Dufour (in 1643), Treasurer of France, each of whom continued to brighten the fortress.
Within the nineteenth century, like many historic residences, Villeneuve-Lembron went by way of a interval of relative neglect. The final proprietor, MP Georges Texier, bought the fortress to the State in 1937.
Right now administered by the Centre des monuments nationaux, the fortress is open to the general public all 12 months spherical.
A cultural and heritage tour
Citadel of Villeneuve-Lembron gives a parcours by way of its furnished and embellished rooms. The frescoes and work, unparalleled in some other fortress, are one of many highlights of the go to.
Admire the boutique!
Earlier than you even start your tour of the fortress, take time to admire the room that in the present day homes the ticket workplace and retailer, and whose ceiling is roofed with chic work depicting quite a few horses. These have been the previous stables, in all probability embellished for the marriage of Gaspard de Montmorin and Claude de Chazeron in 1581.
Momentary exhibitions, animations and guided excursions additionally spotlight the historic, inventive and architectural context of the positioning. Visits thus present a greater understanding of the day by day lifetime of an Auvergne lord within the late Center Ages.
The historic route of Auvergne castles
Whenever you consider Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, you don’t essentially consider its castles. But the area boasts over 500 of them! Of those, some 50 are grouped collectively within the Route Historique des Châteaux d’Auvergne, opening their doorways to the general public and providing quite a few cultural and festive occasions. So profit from your keep in Auvergne to proceed your journey alongside the fortress highway!
Gourmand addresses across the Villeneuve-Lembron fortress
Lengthen your go to to the fortress with a gourmand escapade. There are many good locations to go to within the Villeneuve-Lembron space:
Origines by Adrien Descouls – Le Broc (1 Michelin star)
On the high of the village of Le Broc, Adrien Descouls’ gastronomic restaurant gives creative delicacies that sublimates Auvergne produce. In a contemporary, refined setting, every plate displays the distinctive experience rewarded by a Michelin star. It’s additionally a fantastic place to remain for a quiet break with a ravishing view of the Auvergne mountains.
Rue du Clos de la Chaux, Le Broc
https://restaurant-origines.fr/fr/
Bistrot Basalte – Le Broc
A extra informal model of chef Adrien Descouls’ Bistrot Basalte options beneficiant bistronomic delicacies impressed by native flavors. Seasonal menus, a fastidiously crafted menu and a tremendous collection of regional wines create a refined, convivial expertise.
Rue du Clos de la Chaux, Le Broc
https://restaurant-origines.fr/fr/bistrot-basalte.html
Le Boudes la Vigne – Boudes
Simply 10 minutes from Issoire, Annabelle and Christian have been welcoming gourmets to their cosy bistro within the coronary heart of a winegrowing village for 30 years. Their meticulous delicacies, awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand, celebrates custom and conviviality.
7 place de la Mairie, Boudes
https://www.le-boudes-la-vigne.com/
Le P’tit Roseau – Issoire
This intimate restaurant gives seasonal delicacies made completely from recent produce. The enthusiastic chef prepares flavorful dishes in a heat and alluring setting.
2 avenue de la Gare, Issoire
https://lepetitroseau.fr/
Balad’O’Papilles – Issoire
A 1h30 gourmand stroll by way of Issoire, punctuated by stops at native retailers to pattern cheeses, charcuterie and regional sweets. An unique option to mix heritage discovery and culinary delights.
https://baladopapilles.wordpress.com/
Domaine Annie Sauvat – Boudes
A passionate winegrower, Annie Sauvat gives tastings, winery walks and picnics within the coronary heart of the Auvergne vineyards. This 12 months, the property is enriching its provide with new experiences: yoga, storytelling walks and botanical workshops.
30 route de Dauzat, Boudes
https://www.sauvat-vins.com/
GAEC du Bois Joli – Saint-Diéry
On this household farm within the Parc des Volcans d’Auvergne, the Chassard household has been producing genuine AOP farmhouse Saint-Nectaire cheese because the Nineteen Fifties. Take a tour to find the know-how behind this emblematic cheese, and style an distinctive product.
La Chaux, Saint-Diéry
http://saint-nectaire-boisjoli.com/
L’Accueillette des Pensées – Rentières
In her outdated farmhouse, the designer picks and transforms vegetation and fruit into natural teas, jams, syrups and do-it-yourself jams. She additionally gives nature outings to introduce guests to edible wild flora.
Le Bourg, 17 rue du Pirou, Rentières
https://accueillette.fr/
Distillery of Les Scories – Brassac-les-Mines
quarter-hour from Villeneuve, Quentin Sicard, a younger agricultural engineer, makes rums, gins, whiskies and liqueurs from native produce and Cézallier volcanic water. An atypical distillery arrange on a former mining website.
Alcohol abuse is harmful in your well being. Drink moderately.
4 Route de la Combelle, Brassac-les-Mines
https://distilleriescories.fr/
Interactive map
Discover all the knowledge talked about on this article on this map :
Sensible data
Adress:
Villeneuve-Lembron fortress
63340 Villeneuve-Lembron
Opening hours :
- Might 15 to September 15
10am – 12:30pm and 2pm – 6:30pm
Closed Mondays
Guided excursions solely: 10:30am, 11:30am, 2:30pm, 3:30pm, 4:30pm and 5pm. - September 16 to Might 14
10am – 12:30pm and 2pm – 5:30pm
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays
Guided excursions solely: contact 04 73 96 41 64 for tour instances.
Article produced in collaboration with the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes area
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